The U.S. women’s national team faces its first major hurdle at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in the form of the Netherlands on Friday.
The teams met in the 2019 final, with the U.S. prevailing 2-0. This time, the matchup comes during group play, with Wednesday’s winner in Wellington, New Zealand in excellent shape in Group E.
The USWNT are the -145 favorite at BetMGM, with the team’s odds shortening from -130 when they opened, as the public back a U.S. win with 80 percent of the total bets and 89 percent of the money. Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ odds have lengthened from +320 to +425 while drawing only 12 and 7 percent of the action, respectively.
A potential tie has been backed by 8 percent of the bets and 7 percent of the money wagered at the book.
NEW STAR SHINING?
One of the U.S.’ strengths is the depth of the roster, with every player who steps on the field is expected to meet the high standards of their predecessors.
Sophia Smith is the latest example of a potential legend in the making, following in the footsteps of players such as Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach and current teammate Alex Morgan.
Smith, coming off a two-goal, one-assist performance in a 3-0 win over Vietnam on Friday in her World Cup debut, will be at the center of attention when the Americans (1-0-0, 3 points) face the Netherlands (1-0-0, 3 points).
Smith is the co-favorite at DraftKings to score the first goal of the game. She and Morgan are both being offered at +400, although Smith has been backed by 46 percent of the prop bets and 45 percent of the money, while Morgan has drawn 28 and 27 percent, respectively.
The most popular prop at BetMGM has been 80 percent of the bets backing the Over on 2.5 goals at +125, while the second has been Smith at +175 to score a goal at any point during the game.
The U.S. lineup against Vietnam featured five players who were part of the 2019 World Cup championship squad that defeated the Dutch in the final, plus six debutantes. The average age of 27.8 was the youngest lineup for the USWNT at a World Cup since 2007.
Smith, 22, looked like a veteran against the overwhelmed Vietnamese but knows the Netherlands will provide a stern test.
“Personally, it was good to just get a World Cup game under my belt and see how it felt,” she said. “I think it honestly just makes me more excited for the next game.”
Smith’s boyfriend is half New Zealander. His mother is from Wellington and will bring a large cheering section.
HEIGHTENED DRAMA
The Dutch were happy with a 1-0 win against Portugal on Sunday because it sets them up to likely join the Americans in advancing out of the group to the Round of 16.
“Winning this game was the most important thing by far,” Netherlands coach Andries Jonker said. “We are not afraid of the USA, but this was the most important game, and Portugal proved they were a difficult opponent.”
The match against the U.S. could determine who tops the group.
The U.S. is the -300 favorite to win Group E, with the Netherlands next at +210. Of course, those odds will flip dramatically should the Dutch pull off the upset.
“It’s going to be a whole new game, a whole new challenge,” Smith said. “We know it’s going to be tough, but those are the games that we love to play.”
–Field Level Media
